What were you grateful for this week?That I have a family here in Italy that watch out for me and care for me when I’m not feeling great. And that I have family at home who also look out for me. 

What was the most challenging part of this week?I’ve been really homesick and very emotional these past few weeks which have made it difficult. I have also gotten really sick while staying in Rome this week and I’m unable to do the things I wanted to do.

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. I helped my host mom with a work party. 

Tell us about your week! This week my host family has been in Rome. My little girl spent the weekend with her dad and me and my host mom spent the weekend with her aunt. Her aunt is one of the nicest people I have ever met and she loved me! We had some amazing meals together and on Sunday night she took me on a walk to go see The Vatican at night which was amazing. I got to see so many things. I got to see the Vatican Museum, the Sistine chapel, St. Peter’s basilica, the colosseum, Palatine Hill, the Forum, Trajan’s market, the Pantheon and so many other things. Seeing all of these things has moved me to tears every time I see them. I had plans to explore Pompeii as well but I have become very sick and can’t risk being out in the sun for too long.

So I am definitely making plans to come back and visit Rome again in a few years and I’ll bring someone with me. In the next few days me and my host family will be traveling to the mountains to enjoy some fresh air and time together. I’m really looking forward to it. I miss my boyfriend and family a lot, especially this week with being sick. But even from far away they have been there trying to help as much as they can.